Google attacked by music industry over ‘broken pledges’ on illegal downloading

Leading figures in the music industry have attacked Google over what they describe as ‘broken pledges’ on the clamp down on illegal downloading.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the organisation that represents music labels around the world, the promises made by the internet giant to tackle illegal file-sharing ‘remain unfulfilled’.

The music industry has attacked Google over ‘broken pledges’ (PA)

A report published by the organisation has accused Google of making money from websites that engage in piracy.

Google has declined to comment on the report, which it described as a ‘press stunt’.

IFPI’s report did concede that some work has been done, but said more action has to be taken if Google wants to prevent it from being used as a ‘vehicle for piracy’.

‘Google also needs to do more to ensure that it does not derive revenue from illegal activity and supports the digital marketplace in which it itself is a participant,’ the report stated.

Last month, Google’s copyright counsel, Katherine Oyama, explained to the House Judiciary Committee, that further legislation was unnecessary to combat piracy.

‘The only long-term way to beat piracy online is to offer consumers more compelling legitimate alternative,’ she noted, highlighting the potential for record labels to sell adverts around their music videos on YouTube.